Wires touching Fire sprinkler pipe

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monkey_man_100

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We just had an inspector give us a hard time about our romex touching plastic fire sprinkler pipes. I know that he has the jurasdiction to pass or fail so we just did what he said. Has anyone heard of problems that have occured because of romex touching plastic pipe? I would like to now if there is a problem or it is just him.
 
Maybe there is something on that in the fire code. Cables are not to be supported by pipes, but that doesn't seem to be the case in your situation. Seems like they were just touching. Oh, the humanity! Makes me chuckle, though, remembering something grammar school kids used to do. They'd walk up to you, put their fingertip about 1/2 an inch from your face and exclaim, "I'm not touching you!". Don't suppose you tried that one on the inspector, did you? :wink:
 
No, but I wish I would have now that you mention it. None of the wires were supported by pipes it was all in the attic just running across. O well I would rather pass then fail an inspection.
 
Wires touching Fire sprinkler pipe

Could you give more information. Is this a rough? Why would romex be touching sprinkler pipe?
 
This is a rough in a multi family dwelling and they have fire sprinklers running througout the attic. No wires are supported by the pipe so I don't see a problem.
 
This sounds like a non-issue unless that NM can get so hot it damages the plastic pipe. Sounds impossible to me.
 
They use brand name "Blaze Master" cpvc sprinkler systems all of the time and see NMB and MC in contact with the sprinkler system on most of the projects I have inspected. As long as it is not used to support the wiring system and not interfere with the spray pattern of the heads...no problem.
 
Sounds to me like your inspector needs a laxitive. You are right though it is easier to just move the NM and be done with it.
 
I have done several jobs in hospitals(in PA) and NOTHING(from any trade) can touch sprinkler or med gas lines.

No one can give me a clear answer why....it's just taboo.
 
m73214 said:
Does he have a problem with NM touching ductwork also? He would fail every home around here if so.
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I always go out of my way to insure Romex does not contact any ductwork, what with all the sharp edges and all. I always remember the plumber and his apprentice that were both killed by contacting energized ductwork.
 
here in washington state, we have to keep romex away from all metal pipes and ducts- ( i'm not sure of plastic pipes) and if romex comes in contact with any of these we install a reasonable layer of yellow insulation to seperate the wires. i have no idea where this rule comes from
 
I was inspecting a retrofit job in a large hotel where there were existing cables and new cables being added. I suggested to the electrician to put foam around some of the sprinkler pipes where the cables were touching them. The building inspector was not too happy and made the electrician remove the foam and reroute the cables...ouch!!! The building inspector told me that no cables or 'other' items are to touch sprinkler pipes (fire and mechanical code) and I have not forgotten that since.
 
monkey said:
I always go out of my way to insure Romex does not contact any ductwork, what with all the sharp edges and all. I always remember the plumber and his apprentice that were both killed by contacting energized ductwork.
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Quite often, I wire the house before the HVAC guy gets there, can't wait because some of these guys are slower than snails, and he is the one that ends up making contact with my wires. I agree that it is better if no contact is made but some things are out of our control.
 
Does anyone know which building code(s) require the seperation? Can you provide a reference?

It would be a good reference point in a future proposal to slide sprinkler systems into the 250.104(B) category, is my point in asking.
 
George....Nothing in the IMC....I do not have my IFC handy it is in DC...check NFPA 13......what is the issue...disimilar metals?...I don't know? but CPVC....:confused: I will check the IBC
 
dcspector said:
George....Nothing in the IMC....I do not have my IFC handy it is in DC...check NFPA 13......what is the issue...disimilar metals?...I don't know? but CPVC....:confused: I will check the IBC
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I had to put these in after reading the OP. The fire sprinkler guys came in after we had roughed in the electric. This is not even a small sample of how bad the work they did is.Notice the mounting bracket that puts the NM cable out of the wall.
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PDRM0028.jpg

Nice guy he had to remove the romex staple to do this.
 
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